Step 1

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”

Confucius

Most of my time reflecting from our class discussion has revolved around the first steps of the ECR process. I’m not talking about the decision to begin the process, but the building of the group. Just as we did in class on the first night with simple introductions and on the second night with a more in depth discussion about ourselves; a similar process must also take place for a group of stakeholders in an ECR process. Each member has to be understood by as well as understand all the other members. I will call this the “circle of trust” in that each party in the ECR must trust the others and come to the process willing to listen and understand other points of view. A disinterested stakeholder with political capital such as a city council member tossing a wrench into the resolution process near its conclusion could quickly destroy all of the group’s work. If this disruptor succeeded in breaking apart the resolution that had been agreed upon what a waste of resources this would be for everyone involved, including the disruptor. Stakeholders must be willing to be part of the ECR process by listening, participating, and constructively giving opinions and ideas to the group. If stakeholders are not willing to take the first step in the ECR process the journey will never really begin, or be worth taking.



This reflection has helped me to really see the importance of the facilitator/mediator in the process. You have to get this group interested enough in the process and each other to complete the journey by taking the first step. I’m not sure many people have the tact and ability to read peoples body language and inflection to get people to the right starting point. It’s a challenge and something I hope we can learn a little more about doing as we continue our class journey this semester.